University Albion A are the benchmark. But you can never count out College A. The two powerhouses will meet in the Dunedin premier club netball final at the Edgar Centre on Saturday. It promises to be an epic battle between the two if this season’s results are anything to go by. Defending champions Uni Albion are unbeaten this season and will head in to the final as favourites. They are searching for their fourth straight premier A title. Uni Albion scraped home with a 51-49 victory against College in May after College produced a monster third quarter to come back from being down 31-19 at halftime. They won 56-46 earlier this month after another big second quarter effort. Neve Graamans hardly puts a foot wrong at wing attack and the Southby sisters, Grace and Ella, have shown their class as they season’s gone on. Neve Beattie is a solid and accurate target under the post, adding to her team’s success, while defender Emilie Nicholson picks up a bulk of ball at the other end. College, however, have plenty of experience throughout the court and have stepped up throughout the season. Sisters Talei and Kiana Pelasio, and midcourter Zoey Flockton, are big time players and know what lies ahead. Perri Hore has ground down her opponents across wing defence and goal defence and Ella Mackenzie offers great direction and support at goal attack. Both have come through the Otago pathways and represented the under-18 side at the national championships. Southern Steel training partner Holly McRae also never lets them down. Uni Albio B, who were relegated from premier A, will meet College B in the premier B final, while Physed Gold and Physed Blue will meet in the premier C final.
